Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Gratitude

Thanksgiving says it all when it comes to gratitude. It is a time of year when friends and family gather to give thanks. Take some time this season to get quiet and move to the spirit within. Below are some beautiful quotes that can be used as a theme for daily meditation.

1. “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” — Albert Schweitzer2. “You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink.” — G. K. Chesterton3. “No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks”. — Unknown4. “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” — Marcel Proust5. “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” — Epictetus6. “You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you.” — Sarah Ban Breathnach7. “We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” — Thornton Wilder8. “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” — Albert Einstein9. “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” — William Arthur WardMay you have joy around you always.Namaste,Mary Janewww.fengshuiyoganj.comwww.njfengshuitraining.com

Friday, November 7, 2014

Allow Peace to Lead The Way

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How can we allow peace into our lives and bring it into the lives of others? The easiest way to do this in my opinion is through a daily meditation practice. Easier said then done, as to quiet the mind for even a few seconds is challenging let alone for the recommended 30 minutes. So why even do it? Meditation is not only a healthy practice but an access point to our higher self - referred many times to the 3rd eye or point between the brow. Here we can access guidance from our spirit guides and tap into a realm of peace and quietude that can transform our day-to-day activities. Sounds like a worthwhile practice to me.

Where to begin:

The best way to begin meditating it to commit to a few minutes a day, preferable in the morning, to sit and just be silent. Your mind will begin to race but just try to acknowledge the thoughts that float in and allow them to pass. It’s helpful to use your breath to move pass these active thoughts. The louder the breath the better, as the sound becomes a mantra for your focus.

Comfort:

Make sure you do whatever it takes to be comfortable in your meditation.An erect spine and open chest is best for effective meditation. However, this is easier said than done.It’s not easy to sit in an erect position without some part of your body beginning to speak up.Following these simple tips on staying comfortable will go a long way for your meditation practice.

1.Use props to support your hips, low back, knees or whatever area you need assistance with.

2.Make sure your hips are at least 3 inches higher than your knees.

3.Sit in a chair if the floor is too difficult.

4.Prop your back against a wall to maintain posture.

The important thing here is to do what it takes to be comfortable so your focus is on the breath and meditation rather than an uncomfortable hip, back or knee.Whatever prop you choose just stick to a routine so you develop a habit for a meditation practice.

Simple Mantra:

Sometimes something as simple as the sound mantra for the breath or "So Hum" can be a very effective meditation technique. Simply repeat the sound of "So" on your inhalation and the sound of "Hum" on your exhalation. Repeat the cycle breath mantra for several minutes to quiet the mind and ease your focus inward.3rd Eye Mandala:

The mandala or sacred image of the 3rd eye in my intuitive opinion appears to convey the

fire of heaven that pulls us deep into our very being. The easiest way is
straight in – no detours just move into higher being.As you do so there is a windfall of blessings
that funnels into the physical plane of being. Widen the web of illusion with
truth. Listen with big ears and see with big eyes.

All potential and all knowing (OM), come from
the web behind the veil of illusion. Allow the wheel to keep turning one spoke
at a time – for this is the way we come and we go.

This is my interpretation of the third eye. It has a natural and powerful way to help us perceive and command things in this material world through the path of the heavenly world. The path is crystal clear that opens the door to peace. We can walk in and trust our intuition, know right timing so as to limit the amount of self induced stress and suffering that undoubtedly leads to inner and outer chaos. Let go of the illusions and tap into the source of peace available for us at any time and at any turn.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Are You Rooted in Your Actions & Words?

How
confident are you in your thoughts, actions and words? Do you feel as though you
have to watch what you say to certain people or feel dejected if someone says
something about you? Don't feel bad if the answer to these questions are a
resounding yes. Most of us are not firmly rooted and confident in our actions
and words. By and large, this happens as a way of programming. I can guarantee
someone during your informative years preached the words; "Be careful what you
say otherwise people won't like you." Sound familiar? So how do we get past this
'tip-toe' through the proverbial tulips. For one, we need to understand what
energy centers can catapult us into a stable point when it comes sharing our
thoughts confidently.

The
throat chakra is formally know as the center of purification. In Sanskrit the
word for this purification center is Visuddha. It is a point that can
successfully resonate with the vibrational energy of the word "Truth." When we
engage with our own truth it can be very liberating. When you can own your words
you gain full perspective of the truth. If not, then you are not living your
word but rather wearing it as a garment. Garments have a funny way of going out
of style or simply fading from true form.

One of
the easiest ways to activate the throat center is to delve deeper into who You
are and the language that defines you. You can do this many ways including;
writing intentions about the perfect you, a walking meditation, or simply
wafting some eucalyptus oil during a seated
meditation.

Once you
discover the true language about you, it is time to root it into your being.
This is where the root chakra embeds into the throat. You begin to find your
beliefs and words become a strong anchor. You no longer worry about hurting
others feelings and you don't take things to heart. You find freedom in
exploring what you hear and what you speak. There is a confidence that is
unbreakable, as the very fabric of your being is woven into the fabric of the
universe.

Suggested Yoga
Poses:

Three PowerfulThroat
Openers:

1. Camel
Pose: In this pose the heart and throat immediately open so prana (energy) can
circulate more readily. Hold this pose for several
breaths.

2. Bow:
This pose allows the throat to cast forward in opening. Hold for several
breaths.

3. Fish:
Rise the throat towards the heavens. Hold for several
breaths.